Gwangju 'Simineui Sup Campground' Attracts Around 24,000 Visitors Annually, Gaining Popularity

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Since opening in June 2015 in Cheomdan, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Gwangju Citizens' Forest Campground has attracted an average of about 24,400 users annually, gaining popularity among citizens.

According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 18th, the campground is equipped with 57 sites (19 for cars, 38 general), as well as a management office, restrooms, cooking areas, and shower facilities.

Although temporarily closed due to COVID-19, its location in the city center and facilities and environment for campers continue to attract citizens who enjoy camping.

In particular, the dense forest surrounding the campground, along with the 470,000㎡ Yeongsan Riverside, a 2.6 km ecological exploration forest trail, a drone park, and Daesang Park Golf Course, provide various recreational options for citizens.

Currently, due to the COVID-19 level 3 social distancing, only half of the 57 sites, 28 sites, are in operation.

Reservations for next month can be made from 11 a.m. on the first Monday of each month, and campground usage hours are from 2 p.m. on the day of check-in until 12 noon the following day.

Car camping sites cost 20,000 KRW per day during peak season (July-August), and during the off-season, 20,000 KRW on weekends and holidays, and 15,000 KRW on weekdays.

General camping sites cost 15,000 KRW during peak season, and during the off-season, 15,000 KRW on weekends and holidays, and 10,000 KRW on weekdays.

For both car and general sites, an additional 3,000 KRW is charged for electricity.

Discounts of 70% on usage fees are provided for persons with disabilities, national merit recipients, single-parent families, and others.

Jung Juhyung, head of the city’s Green City Project Office, said, “Interest from citizens is high, with online first-come, first-served reservations filling up within five minutes of opening. We will strive to provide a safe and pleasant urban healing space at the campground to help relieve the fatigue accumulated from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.”